If you are interested and require further information not covered on the page, please complete the form below
Applications for the 2021/22 academic year will open in August 2021
As you are not registered with us, you will need to upload proof you can enrol to this programme.
I know, let’s sign upI have an account, let me sign in firstThis programme qualifies for IFS Skillnet Funding. See details for more.
Data protection law underwent a fundamental reform on 25th May 2018, being the date on which the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation came into force. This new law has significantly changed what data protection law is and how it applies. The GDPR imposes new penalties and liabilities on data controllers and processors who fail to comply with its provisions.
The prospect of such liabilities and penalties requires that data controllers and data processors reform their internal governance of personal data processing to ensure that the new standards of data protection that the GDPR imposes are complied with. Many organisations are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer; all organisations have to significantly enhance their compliance functions in order to ensure that the obligations of Data Protection Impact Assessments and data protection by default and design are complied with.
The Professional Certificate in Data Protection has been carefully designed to provide Data Protection Officers and Compliance Officers with the professional qualities and expert knowledge of data protection law along with guidance on practical application that they will need to implement in order to discharge their requirements under the GDPR.
The programme has been designed in consultation with the office of the Data Protection Commissioner. The programme is accredited by UCD and is the only accredited qualification at this level.
This programme will support your personal and professional development and will enable you to:
understand the obligations imposed by the GDPR in law and practice
undertake a Data Protection Impact Assessment
use contemporary theories and practical evidence to design a data protection framework within your organisation
design, complete and report on major data protection projects which may be required to enhance your firm’s positioning within the sector
justify the rationale behind recommendations in relation to data protection
analyse and discuss data protection case-studies and scenarios in a class-room setting
maintain, develop and apply contemporary professional best practice and contribute to a personal ethos of life-long learning and self-improvement.
Lectures
Assessment is a combination of continuous assessment and written exams.
When you successfully complete this programme, you will be awarded the Professional Certificate in Data Protection from UCD (at postgraduate degree level 9).
Individuals who complete the Professional Certificate in Data Protection, are entitled to apply for the designation ‘Certified Data Protection Officer’ and use the designatory letters CDPO. Continued use of this designation is subject to meeting ACOI’s Continuing Professional Development requirements.
Fee - €1,450
IFS Skillnet Funded fee €1,000
Part funding may be available for eligible applicants through IFS Skillnet.
Professional Certificate in Data Protection - IFS Skillnet form
View the IFS Skillnet Checklist
Adam Burns - Programme Manager
The minimum entry requirements to the Professional Certificate in Data Protection are as follows:
An Honours degree (minimum 2.2) in a business, legal or IT discipline
Or
Those who do not hold a degree, but have exceptional professional experience in the area of data protection, are eligible to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You must be a current member of the Association of Compliance Officers in Ireland, or become a member, to undertake this programme.
If you hold an IOB designation or a designation managed by IOB, CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme.
(NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
Irish and EU data protection law changed when the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018. This will impose a heavier compliance burden on data controllers and will grant data subjects enhanced rights. Controllers will be held accountable and have to keep records, conduct impact assessments and appoint Data Protection Officers. Supervision and enforcement will be enhanced. This module will provide students with the tools to understand and navigate an increasingly complex and challenging environment for the controllers and processors of personal data.